As nimble and charming a theatrical entertainment as one might hope to enjoy, Pride and Prejudice – an Adaptation in Words and Music enhances a staged reading of Jane Austen’s classic novel with lovingly played musical accompaniment. 

Adapted by Austen expert Gill Hornby for the original 2017 UK season, the breathlessly brisk edited reading of Pride and Prejudice is at the heart of this delightful performance.

A novel that has never been out of print, Pride and Prejudice has been much loved via a plethora of adaptations, with the 1995 BBC television series of Pride and Prejudice holding a special place in hearts and minds. For this stage adaptation, the incorporation of the live performance of Colin Davis’ score for the television series is an inspired and highly evocative touch.  

With outstanding musicians Madeleine Easton on violin and Dan Le on grand piano, director Tyran Parke has expanded the presentation with an opening sequence of introductory music. Brimming with merry confidence, Easton engagingly introduces a number of pieces of music written contemporaneously with Pride and Prejudice. 

Explaining that composer Davis was inspired by Schubert, Easton and Le play Schubert’s “Violin Sonatina in D Major (D 384)”. Elegant and eminently accessible, the concise recital goes on to include the romance of Beethoven’s “Piano Sonata No. 1” as well as music by Mendelssohn and examples of the Regency era dance music that would be heard at balls attended by the novel’s characters.

With the arrival on stage of star attraction Nadine Garner, the music continues, adding abundant atmosphere to Garner’s wonderfully expressive reading. 

Hornby’s cracking adaptation is a miracle of concision, not only clearly conveying the main characters and plot points of the beloved novel but also retaining generous servings of romantic tension and characterful humour. Director Parke ensures that the emotional heart of the storytelling is richly mined, also keeping Garner in lively, near constant motion around Mikailah Looker’s handsome drawing room set. 

Garner’s particular skill in bringing the reading to vivid life is her knack for succinctly and amusingly conjuring the characters’ reactions and emotions. As we hear what happens around and about the characters, we see and hear their emotions through Garner’s physical and vocal expression. The finishing touch to this is the ongoing series of cheeky looks and knowing winks that Garner casts at the eager audience, the intimacy of the Fairfax Studio further supporting this close connection.

Over and above Garner’s insightful and entertaining expression, the live music adds further colour and context, an amusing example being the palpable disdain shown by Lady Catherine de Bourgh, aunt of Mr Darcy, for the Bennett estate.

Sure to please Austen aficionados, Pride and Prejudice – an Adaptation in Words and Music is equally suited to newcomers, with all parties likely to be left happily satisfied and yet also wanting to (re)watch the 1995 series.

Pride and Prejudice – An Adaptation in Words and Music plays at Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne until 6 October 2024. For tickets, click here.

The Pride and Prejudice – An Adaptation in Words and Music program can be read online.

Photos: #1, #3, #4 Nico Keenan; #2, #5 Robert Catto